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Brazil in World Cup for 18th straight time

Adriano scored three goals to help defending champion Brazil rout Chile 5-0 in Brasilia and earn its 18th straight World Cup appearance.

Brazil, the only nation to have played in every World Cup since its inception in 1930, improved to 29 points from 16 matches in the South American qualifying group.

Argentina (9-3-4), which already had qualified for a berth in the 32-team field next year in Germany, leads with 30 points. Ecuador (26) is third, one ahead of Paraguay. Uruguay (21) is fifth. The top four nations qualify, and the No. 5 team meets Australia or the Solomon Islands for another berth.